Related Experiment Videos
Withdrawing treatment from patients in a persistent vegetative state
1Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Brisbane, QLD.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|December 5, 1994
Summary
Doctors unanimously agreed Anthony Bland, in a persistent vegetative state, should have life support withdrawn. His case reached the House of Lords to clarify legalities before doctors acted, applying the Bolam test.
Area of Science:
- Medical Law
- Neurology
- Bioethics
Background:
- Case study of Anthony Bland, an English youth diagnosed with a persistent vegetative state.
- Unanimous medical consensus indicated no hope for recovery or improvement.
Observation:
- Family agreed with the medical recommendation to withdraw life support.
- The case required legal clarification from the House of Lords before medical intervention.
Findings:
- The court applied the Bolam test to determine the legal acceptability of medical regimens.
- The Bolam test posits that a regimen is legally acceptable if supported by competent medical opinion.
Implications:
- Highlights the legal complexities in end-of-life decisions for patients in persistent vegetative states.
- Contrasts the Bolam test with principles rejected by other high courts, such as in Rogers v. Whitaker.